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Dodgers recall Ward as Freeman enters paternity list

PUBLISHED Apr 19, 2026, 11:58 AM ET

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DENVER — The Los Angeles Dodgers placed first baseman Freddie Freeman on the paternity list on Sunday and recalled outfielder/first baseman Ryan Ward to the major-league roster, officially promoting the 28-year-old after seven seasons in the minors and a late-Friday announcement of his call-up. Ward, hitting .324 with a reported 1.020 OPS at Triple-A Oklahoma City, is scheduled to start at first base and bat seventh against the Colorado Rockies this weekend; Freeman may miss between one and three games under MLB paternity-list rules, prompting temporary lineup adjustments and evaluation of the Dodgers' depth.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

February: Freeman and his wife announced they were expecting their fourth child.
Winter: Dodgers added Ryan Ward to their 40-man roster.
Late Friday: The Athletic reported Ward's impending call-up; Ward received the news Friday night.
Saturday: Ward arrived in Denver and was on the taxi squad; manager delayed public announcement.
Sunday: Dodgers placed Freeman on the paternity list and officially recalled Ward to start.

News Intelligence

Freddie Freeman's paternity leave could affect the Dodgers' performance in the next few games. If you're a fan, this is a time to evaluate the team's depth. Keep an eye on Ryan Ward's performance. He's been a standout in the minors and this is his big-league debut.

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